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Head-to-head · Screenwriting Software

Screenwriter-mode vs Revision Screenwriter

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Screenwriter-mode #5 in Screenwriting Software 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit site
Revision Screenwriter #8 in Screenwriting Software 7.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit site

Screenwriter-mode leads on 0 checks, Revision Screenwriter on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreScreenwriter-mode · 7.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresRevision Screenwriter · 3 of 4

Screenwriter-mode scores higher on our rubric for screenwriting software: 7.9 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.

Screenwriter-mode is the better fit for plain-text writers using lightweight desktop tools. Revision Screenwriter is the better fit for revision-heavy production teams.

  • Screenwriter-mode fits best

    Plain-text writers using lightweight desktop tools

  • Revision Screenwriter fits best

    Revision-heavy production teams

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Side by side

Feature Screenwriter-mode 7.9/10 Visit ↗ Revision Screenwriter 7.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.7
Ranking #5 in Screenwriting Software #8 in Screenwriting Software
Best for Plain-text writers using lightweight desktop tools Revision-heavy production teams
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Docs Email, Community
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Screenwriter-mode 1/4 · Revision Screenwriter 3/4
Real-time collaboration Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Offline mode Not checked yet Not checked yet
Revision tracking Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Production breakdown tools ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported platforms Linux, macOS, Windows web, windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Export formats PDF, .screenplay, .scp, .org PDF, Fountain, Fade In, FDX
Our review
Pros
  • Free and cross-platform on Linux, macOS, and Windows
  • Core screenplay formatting with automatic .scp and .screenplay activation
  • Character, location, scheduling, and production-oriented reports
  • Deep history for drafts, passes, revisions, and script elements
  • Live collaboration, production tagging, and scene scheduling export
  • Web, desktop, mobile, table reads, recovery, and customizable reports
Cons
  • Requires comfort with GNU Emacs and command-line tools
  • Collaboration features are outside its stated focus
  • Revision and publishing capabilities are limited in scope
  • Production features may be more than casual writers need
  • Real-time collaboration works over the internet or a local network
  • Its workflow is centered on screenplay and production exports
Our verdict

Screenwriter-mode is a screenplay-formatting plug-in for GNU Emacs, aimed at writers and production users who are comfortable working with Emacs and command-line tools. It supports slug lines, action, dialogue, and transitions, while…

Read the review →

Revision Screenwriter is free screenwriting software for writers and production teams managing structured drafts, revisions, and passes. It combines screenplay formatting with side-by-side draft comparison, real-time collaboration,…

Read the review →
  1. Screenwriter-modeScreenwriting Software 7.9Free plan
  2. Revision ScreenwriterScreenwriting Software 7.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Screenwriter-mode — where it wins

    • Free and cross-platform on Linux, macOS, and Windows
    • Core screenplay formatting with automatic .scp and .screenplay activation
    • Character, location, scheduling, and production-oriented reports

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires comfort with GNU Emacs and command-line tools
    • Collaboration features are outside its stated focus
    • Revision and publishing capabilities are limited in scope

  • Revision Screenwriter — where it wins

    • Deep history for drafts, passes, revisions, and script elements
    • Live collaboration, production tagging, and scene scheduling export
    • Web, desktop, mobile, table reads, recovery, and customizable reports

    Where it doesn't

    • Production features may be more than casual writers need
    • Real-time collaboration works over the internet or a local network
    • Its workflow is centered on screenplay and production exports
  • Screenwriter-mode7.9/10 · Free plan

    A free, plain-text screenplay tool for writers comfortable with GNU Emacs.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Revision Screenwriter7.7/10 · Free plan

    A free, revision-focused workspace for screenwriters and production teams.

    Visit siteFull verdict →

More comparisons

All screenwriting software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update